Amazon Reveals New Sustainable Packaging

Amazon is rolling out new, environmentally friendly packaging for its Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV products. The updated packaging, made with sustainability in mind, mirrors the simple brown kraft exterior that Amazon customers are accustomed to.

Maiken Moeller-Hansen, Amazon’s director of Device Sustainability, highlighted these eco-conscious changes, focusing on making packaging less harmful to the environment while maintaining durability. One major shift is the elimination of plastic wraps inside and outside of the boxes. Previously, plastic coatings protected devices during shipping, but they have now been replaced with water-based alternatives. Inside, devices are secured using recyclable paper instead of plastic materials.

The updated design also increases the use of recycled fibers by about 30%, reducing the need for new tree-based materials. Additionally, Amazon has cut ink usage by 60%, resulting in the unbleached, brown appearance of the boxes. This step not only reduces the environmental impact of bleaching but also lessens the carbon footprint associated with the process.

To minimize excess paper, Amazon has added QR codes to the packaging, offering digital access to setup instructions. Some boxes also include tactile features to assist visually impaired customers in locating these codes.

Amazon’s vice president of Devices and Services, Panos Panay, showcased the updated packaging this week by distributing Kindle Paperwhites in Seattle. Beyond packaging, Amazon is revising its logistics strategies to further reduce emissions. The company is focusing on making packaging more compact to maximize space during transport. Additionally, shipping from final assembly points by sea instead of air is helping to cut down carbon emissions.

Since 2015, Amazon reports a 43% reduction in packaging weight per shipment, avoiding over 3 million metric tons of packaging waste. Earlier this year, the company phased out plastic air pillows in its fulfillment centers, removing roughly 15 billion of them annually.

These changes are part of Amazon’s broader plan to reduce carbon emissions and meet its goal of net-zero carbon by 2040, as outlined in The Climate Pledge. The company recently shared that its carbon footprint dropped by 3% last year, continuing a downward trend.

Despite these advancements, Amazon faces ongoing scrutiny about its environmental initiatives. Some employees have expressed concerns over the company’s commitment to addressing Climate change. Nevertheless, Amazon points to its growing electric vehicle fleet and renewable energy investments as evidence of its dedication to sustainability, acknowledging that challenges remain as demand for AI and other technologies grows.

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